Understanding Rheumatoid Factor: Tests, Ranges, and Treatment

Rheumatoid factor (RF) is a crucial element in understanding autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and Sjogren’s syndrome. A rheumatoid factor test measures the amount of rheumatoid factor in your blood, which are proteins produced by your immune system that can attack healthy tissue. Elevated levels of rheumatoid factor are commonly associated with autoimmune diseases.

Although the specific triggers of rheumatoid factor in the blood are not fully understood, it is believed to be a mix of genetic and environmental risk factors. This uncertainty is compounded by the fact that some individuals have low rheumatoid factor levels, which might not lead to significant autoimmune responses.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune disorder, occurs when your immune system mistakenly targets your body’s own tissues. This condition differs significantly from osteoarthritis, which is due to wear-and-tear damage. RA primarily affects the lining of your joints, leading to painful swelling that can cause bone erosion and joint deformity.

The exact causes of RA are still unknown despite extensive research. However, it’s clear that RA involves an immune response where the body’s defenses attack healthy cells. Several factors can increase the risk of developing RA, but the precise reasons remain elusive.

The onset of rheumatoid arthritis, other autoimmune conditions, cancers, and bacterial infections can all influence RF levels. This makes assessing RF levels in isolation challenging. To learn more about the diagnosis and implications of rheumatoid factor, visit Medical News Today and RheumatoidArthritis.org. For an in-depth look at rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and causes, the Mayo Clinic offers comprehensive information. Additionally, WebMD discusses the known causes and risk factors of RA, and the CDC provides a general overview of rheumatoid arthritis.